NEW YORK — World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the US Open mixed doubles event following the hospitalization of her Belarusian teammate, Konstantin Koltsov, due to an undisclosed medical emergency. The two-time Grand Slam champion announced her decision publicly on social media, citing the need to prioritize her team's well-being.
Sabalenka's Emotional Announcement
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sabalenka shared her decision with fans: "I’ve made the difficult choice to withdraw from mixed doubles. My teammate’s health comes first, and I need to be there for him and our team during this challenging time." The announcement came just hours before her scheduled match, leaving fans and tournament organizers scrambling to adjust the schedule.
Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player and Sabalenka’s longtime hitting partner, was reportedly hospitalized late Tuesday night. While details remain scarce, sources close to the team confirmed that his condition is stable but requires further medical evaluation. Sabalenka, visibly emotional during her singles match earlier in the day, struggled to maintain her usual intensity, though she managed to advance to the next round.
Impact on Sabalenka’s US Open Campaign
The withdrawal raises questions about Sabalenka’s focus as she continues her singles campaign. The Belarusian star, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, is considered one of the top contenders for the US Open title. However, the emotional toll of her teammate’s hospitalization could affect her performance. Key concerns include:
- Mental fatigue from balancing competition and personal stress
- Disruption in her usual training routine without Koltsov
- Potential distraction during critical matches
Despite the challenges, Sabalenka has shown resilience in the past. After her coach’s sudden departure in 2022, she rebounded to claim multiple titles. "Aryna has an incredible ability to compartmentalize," said a WTA insider. "But this situation is different—it’s personal."
Reactions from the Tennis Community
Fellow players and fans have rallied behind Sabalenka, flooding social media with messages of support. World No. 1 Iga Świątek tweeted: "Sending strength to Aryna and her team. Health always comes first—tennis can wait." The WTA also issued a statement, emphasizing player welfare as a priority.
Tournament Adjustments
With Sabalenka’s withdrawal, mixed doubles pairings were reshuffled, granting her opponents a walkover. Tournament director Stacey Allaster acknowledged the situation: "We fully support Aryna’s decision. Our medical team is assisting her teammate, and we wish him a speedy recovery."
Looking Ahead
Sabalenka’s next singles match is scheduled for Friday, where she will face a tough opponent in the third round. While her focus remains on Koltsov’s recovery, her ability to compartmentalize will be tested. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if she can maintain her title bid amid personal adversity.
The incident also highlights the often-overlooked pressures faced by athletes beyond the court. "People forget we’re human first, players second," Sabalenka said in a post-match interview. "Right now, my team is my priority."
As the tennis world awaits updates on Koltsov’s condition, Sabalenka’s withdrawal serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between professional commitments and personal crises. Whether she can channel her emotions into her game remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: her decision has resonated far beyond the baseline.